Глава XLV

Jer. 45:1. The word that Jeremiah the prophet spoke to Baruch the son of Neri, when this word was written in the book from the mouth of Jeremiah, in the fourth year of Jehoiakim the son of Josiah, king of Judah. If anyone thinks that this is not done in order by the prophet, then one must keep in mind that this feature is often observed in Scripture, since those who wrote history were not concerned about consistency, but about writing for the benefit of the readers. And others will call (this way of presentation) more in harmony with what is said. since he said that of those who were in Egypt, only those who fled to Judea will be saved, and all the others will perish, and (they) did not believe, then this confirms the former. Just as before, he says, Baruch, who predicted disasters under Joachim, does not perish, but God, who promised him, kept him alone out of all others intact, so he saves believers now. Jer. 45:2. This is what the Lord says. He does not just remember this word now and not untimely, but so that you know what Baruch was like in relation to them, how he cries and laments, asking God for them. And he himself says: don’t look for great things. Jer. 45:3. As you said: it is cruel to me 227 that the Lord applied labor to my illness: I died with groaning, I did not find peace. Baruch, sent by Jeremiah to pronounce (prophecies) about the city, fearing the wrath of the king and the cruelty of others, did not want to go, and reflecting that violating the words of the prophet threatens no small danger (since it means contradicting the divine command), he was in a difficult position: if he goes, then death awaits him; but he did not obey his will, he (knew) that he would not escape punishment as one who resists God. In the words: the Lord apply labor to illness, he calls the sorrow that he had about the people illness, and labor - spiritual grief and concern for the future. Success with groaning, I did not find peace, as if I was burdened with troubles and worries to the point that I have no peace even during sleep. Jer. 45:4. The Lord says to Sitsa: Behold, even I have built a city, I will destroy, and even I have planted, I will uproot all that land ( ἐκείνην 228 And have you sought great ones for yourself? Seek not. That is, you had the wrong thoughts. When, as a result of the wickedness of the people, I made a decision against everyone and through a threat I wanted to eliminate the dangers, you did not want to grieve (ἀθυμεῖν) or have any concern about the matter, since the words: and have you sought great things for yourself mean this, that is, not to grieve. What does not speak of misfortune is shown by the following words. Jer. 45:4. Behold, I will bring evil upon all flesh, says the Lord, and I will give your life for gain in every place, even if you go. That is, do not be afraid; go and convey to the people the words of the prophet, knowing well that you will not participate in their misfortune and that no harm will be done to you. And the prophet indicated the image of salvation above, saying: I am hidden by the Lord (Jer. 36:26) and were not found. Jer. 45:5. And are you asking for it? You want to free one whole city from danger that has offended Me. Wherever you are, you will not tolerate evil. And at the same time, however, he insisted that you know that he does not mean his own good, but that of many. And we take care of the affairs of others when ours are safe. In the text Patrology ὀμι is read once; in ancient times Vatican. sp. - twice, and according to this in Slav. B. This is how it is read in the Marshallian. sp., instead of mine, as in Slav. B.